Humpback whales (Megaptera novaengliae ) are the most abundant baleen whale in the nearshore waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. They, along with millions of penguins, seals, seabirds, and other whales, feed primarily on
Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba )
during summer months.
What do humpback whales feed on in Antarctica?
Humpback whales feed in Antarctic waters on
krill of various kinds
, but also eat small fish and plankton during their migration south from their breeding areas.
Where do humpback whales go to feed?
Behavior and Parenting. These baleen whales are found near coastlines, feeding on tiny shrimp-like krill, plankton, and small fish. Humpbacks migrate annually from
summer feeding grounds near the poles to warmer winter breeding waters closer to the Equator
.
Why do whales feed in Antarctica?
However, Antarctica is actually a hot spot for whales due to
the rich pickings of marine food, including large numbers of krill
! Therefore, all Antarctic whale species migrate south during the summer months to take advantage of the nutrient rich sea.
How far do humpback whales migrate to Antarctica?
Each January, around 60,000 Humpback Whales leave the frigid, food-rich waters of Antarctica and begin the world’s longest mammal migration,
a 5,000 kilometre, three-month
journey to the warm waters of northern Australia where they mate, calve and nurture their newborns.
What is the fastest whale?
Fin whales
are the fastest of all great whales capable of swimming up to 23 miles per hour (23 kmph).
Do all humpback whales migrate to Antarctica?
Humpback whales spend their summers in Antarctica chowing down on shrimplike krill. Now, scientists are finding that these marine behemoths are reluctant to leave the Antarctic as winter draws near.
What is the biggest thing a humpback whale can eat?
The 65-foot-long mammals have large esophaguses to feed on larger prey such as
giant squid
, which they sometimes swallow whole. In fact, colossal squid—which can reach 46 feet long—have been found inside a sperm whale’s stomach.
Can a humpback whale eat a human?
Whales, in general,
are not capable of swallowing a human being
and therefore will not eat you.
What is the current population of humpback whales?
Thanks to global conservation efforts including the Endangered Species Act, the current population has rebounded to
nearly 80,000 Humpback whales
up from a low-point of 10,000 to 15,000.
Are there sharks in Antarctica?
It has been
40 million years
since the waters around Antarctica have been warm enough to sustain populations of sharks and other fish, but they may return this century due to the effects of global warming. “There are few prey-crushing predators in Antarctic waters. …
Do polar bears live in Antarctica?
Polar bears live in the Arctic, but
not Antarctica
. Down south in Antarctica you’ll find penguins, seals, whales and all kinds of seabirds, but never polar bears. Even though the north and south polar regions both have lots of snow and ice, polar bears stick to the north. … Polar bears don’t live in Antarctica.
Are there killer whales in Antarctica?
Orca whales are found almost everywhere throughout the earth’s oceans. … Furthermore, small calves have been sighted in mid winter, indicating that orcas
are the only species of whale to breed in Antarctic waters
. They are common in Antarctic waters, with a population estimated at about 70,000.
What months do whales migrate?
It is estimated that as many as 10,000 humpback whales travel from Alaska to visit the Hawaiian Islands every winter, starting in
November and lasting through about May
.
What dangers do whales face?
Threats to whales include
commercial whaling, pollution, ozone depletion, global warming an whale watching
.
Do whales sleep?
The answer is simple,
YES they do
. Their bodies shut down but only half of their mind stays at rest so that they conscientiously remember to breathe. Breathing near the surface where whales sleep allows them to breathe more conscientiously, meaning each and every breath counts.
